2005 Public Statement
04/15/2005Joint Saudi-French communiqué The following joint Saudi-French communiqué was issued in Paris today at the end of the three-day State visit to the Republic of France by Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

On an invitation by President Jacques Chirac, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud made a state visit to the Republic of France from April 13 to 15, 2005. During the visit, in-depth talks were held dealing with international issues of mutual interest as well as bilateral relations.

With regard to the situation in Lebanon, both countries have been informed of Syria’s commitment to withdraw in compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559. The two countries expressed support of Lebanon's independence, security and stability; look forward to the formation in the near future of a Lebanese government and for free and democratic elections to be held within the set period; and, attaching great concern to the UN Resolution concerning the establishment of an international investigative committee to probe the truth of the assassination of Lebanon's Prime Minister Rafiq Alhariri, urged the Lebanese authorities to cooperate with this panel for the sake of revealing the truth and punishing whoever is found to be involved in this terrorist crime.

The two countries reiterated their support for the efforts exerted to resume the peace process in the Middle East according to the relevant United Nations Resolutions and the ‘roadmap’ that aims at a solution based on two independent states coexisting side by side in security and peace; and welcomed the confirmation at the Arab Summit in Algeria that the Arab countries are committed to the peace initiative proposed by Crown Prince Abdullah and adopted by the Beirut Summit.

The two countries confirmed their commitment to Iraq's security and stability and the maintenance of its integrity and independence; and called on all factions of the Iraqi people to participate in the political process. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France also stressed the importance of activating international cooperation in combating terrorism and its financers; and pledged to deepen their cooperation in this regard within the framework of the United Nations.

France expressed appreciation for the moderate oil policy followed by Saudi Arabia that aims at stability in the oil market and promotion of growth in the global economy.

Saudi Arabia expressed appreciation for France's position in favor of the Kingdom's accession to the World Trade Organization and the signing of a free-duty trade zone agreement between the European Union and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The two countries agreed to strengthen their economic, investment and cultural ties within the strategic relation between the two countries.